Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most well known and widely used oils in the world today. However, it was not so well known to the northern regions in the recent past. A spurt in medicinal research and an increase in awareness about the extremely beneficial properties of this oil have lead to its growing popularity the world over. But, it is also the most debated oil among health communities.

Coconut oil’s remarkable health benefits are a testimony to the fact that even saturated fats provide incredible benefits if taken in reasonable amounts. Coconut oil contains a very high percentage of saturated fatty acids, which is strikingly different from the fatty acid profile of any other oil. However, it is these special compounds in high concentrations that lend special healing capabilities to coconut oil. Here, we shall discuss the complete nutritional profile of coconut oil including the micro-nutrients ( like phenols ) and the benefits that they yield.

Coconut Oil (Image:Shutterstock)

Source

All coconut oil is essentially derived from the copra of the coconut. Copra is the dried meat of coconut. Hence. copra oil is another name for coconut oil. However, it is important to note that the way copra is processed to extract oil differs. That is why there are many varieties of coconut oil. Before one buys coconut oil, one should be sure what that product is.

Virgin Coconut oil – This coconut oil is derived without the use of any substances or methods which alter the composition of natural coconut oil. That means, virgin coconut oil is extracted from mechanical methods, as is done in Kerala, India. There, coconut oil has been produced naturally in villages since ancient times. An example of the most ancient method is an ox-powered mill. VCO ( Virgin coconut oil ) has a sharp coconutty aroma and tastes like coconut. Extra virgin coconut oil is actually a misnomer, as it is the same as virgin coconut oil.

Solvent based extraction – In this method, hexane is used to extract coconut oil from the slurry. It yields more oil and is thus popular. This oil should not be used for edible purposes, and even for the skin.

RBD Coconut oil – It stands for “Refined, Bleached and Deodorized”. This is the most widely used coconut oil. It is not as good as virgin coconut oil, but it is ideal for cooking and cosmetic purposes. This oil has very little of the characteristic coconut aroma.

Hydrogenated Coconut oil – In this oil, the small amount of unsaturated fats too are hydrogenated and thus making it unhealthy. It might contain some trans fats as well.

Properties

The list of medicinal and therapeutic properties of coconut oil is stupefying. [1]

Emollient – Coconut oil is one of the best moisturizers for dry skin out there.

Anti-Acne – Although coconut oil is comedogenic, it may help in acne as it attacks the acne causing bacteria, P.acnes.

Antioxidant – Virgin coconut oil has a high amount of anti-oxidants that boost health by reducing cell damage induced by free radicals.

Suncreen – Coconut oil exerts a mild suncreen like effect when applied on the skin.

Anti-inflammatory for the skin.

Apoptopic – induces programmed cell death.

Uses and Health Benefits

Coconut tree has been referred as “Kalpavriksha” in Indian texts, which means the all giving tree. Even its oil can be put to a variety of diverse uses in the household and the industry. Coconut oil is one of the best natural things for our skin.

Coconut oil for Hair

Coconut oil helps to reduce protein loss in hair when applied regularly. This prevents breakage during combing of hair shafts which become weak due to loss of protein content. This is a major finding. [2]Coconut oil can be applied directly onto wet or dry hair. However, the best benefits are availed by using it as a hot oil massage for hair. Warm the oil slightly and gently pat it onto the scalp, extending the oil along the hair shafts. Cover with a shower cap and keep for about 20 minutes. Then wash off the hair in cold water. This routine can be performed weekly to give softer but strong hair. The thickness of individual hair shaft can improve through continuous use as the protein loss is compensated for.

Coconut oil for Skin

Coconut oil is the best remedy for dry skin. Regular application of it quickly helps the skin shed off dead cells, crusts, peelings and any infection that might be emerging. Applying coconut oil just after shower locks the mositure inside the cells and seals it off. This makes the skin very smooth. In winter months, applying coconut oil keeps the skin slightly warm as the oil layer acts as mild insulation. Thus, it prevents the dry skin problems of winter.

Coconut oil is the most easily available remedy for any kind of skin infection, because it is a strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.

Acne – Coconut oil kills Propionibacterium Acnes, the bacteria which is believed to be a factor in acne.

Fungal infections – Use it for common problesm like athlete’s foot, jock itch, candidiasis, ringworm, toenail infection and other problems like corns and calluses.

Eczema

Coconut oil relieves the symptoms of atopic dermatitis to some extent. It acts as an emollient and provides nutrition to the skin cells externally. This effect helps to keep eczema in check. It also prevents the outgrowth of S.aureus bacteria which is known to colonize in skin areas affected by atopic dermatitis. [3]

Psoriasis

Coconut oil is helpful in scalp psoriasis, which is a manifestation of psoriasis on the scalp. Although psoriasis is immune system related disorder, coconut oil eases off the itching and scaling on the scalp. It dissolves away dead skin cells and promotes the skin to recover.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Although there is lack of medicinal research journals confirming the efficacy of coconut oil in treating Alzheimer’s, there is a growing body of anecdotal evidence to support this. The Medium Chain Triglycerides ( MCTs) in Coconut oil, like Lauric acid, Capric acid and Caprylic acid boost brain function and prevent damage to neurons. [4]As a result, coconut oil can be taken in small amounts in whatever food item convenient. Addition of turmeric in diet is also beneficial. Curcumin in turmeric is better absorbed in presence of fats and thus is made more bio-available.

Diabetes

MCTs in Coconut oil have been found to preserve insulin function [5]. As a result, this oil is helpful in type-2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is said to occur when insulin hormone has impaired ability to regulate metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Insulin regulates the delivery of glucose to skeletal muscle and also regulates retention of fat. As a result, improved insulin function also reduces the risk of developing obesity.

Potent Natural Anti-Viral

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid which exhibits potent anti-viral activity against lipid coated viruses in its monolaurin form. These viruses like HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, Herpes virus and influenza viruses develop a coating made from lipds which enables them to stay undetected by the host’s immune system. Monolaurin eliminated the coating, making them detectable by the immune system, and the natural killing action starts. Therefore, coconut oil is being used by many patients suffering from these viral diseases as a nutritional supplement. The dosage of coconut oil required for sufficient activity varies. Moreover, it takes months for the viral count to lower slowly.

Coconut Oil and Heart Disease

Consumption of virgin coconut oil lowers oxidantion of LDL cholesterol. This is attributed to the polyphenol antioxidants in virgin coconut oil. This shows that consumption of virgin form of coconut oil provides much more antioxidants and may help to improve lipid profile. However, it is important to not exceed the daily fat intake limit recommendations. [6]

Unique Metabolism of the MCTs

Medium chain triglycerides, like lauric acid are absorbed directly into the portal system without any alteration. There is no need for bile salts as well. Therefore, MCTs are among the most easily absorbed nutrients. These are fed to people who have malabsorption. High concentration of MCTs in diet induces ketosis in the liver. This is beneficial in the case of intractable epilepsy.

Medicinal Properties of Coconut oil according to Ayurveda

Coconut grows naturally in the coastal regions. Practioners of Ayurveda have often remarked at the immense medicinal properties of coconut oil.

Ayurvedic texts refer to Coconut oil as Maha medhya, which means that it is a nourishing food for the mind.

Coconut oil is used for performing Abhyanga massage.

It is a pacifier of Pitta dosha ( humor ). Thus, it can alleviate characteristic “pitta”conditions like inflammation, acne and anger.

Carrier oil of great repute. Many ayurvedic medications have their base as coconut oil.

Side Effects, Safe Dosage and Toxicity Issues

Coconut oil is generally considered safe. However, people beginning to take coconut oil internally should start with just 1 teaspoon at one time. Taking 1 – 2 tablespoon in one go is a lot of fat and may cause vomiting and sharp abdominal pain.

Complete Fatty Acid profile of Coconut oil
The most important nutritional aspect of any oil is the breakdown of its fatty acids. This holds the key to their nutrition. Now, coconut oil has the most strikingly different fat profile. Below is the fatty acid profile of Malaysian virgin coconut oil.

Nutrient

Percentage

Property

Caproic Acid (6:0)

0.6%

Saturated fat

Stearic Acid (18:0)

3.46 %

Saturated fat

Palmitic Acid (16:0)

8.40 %

Saturated fat

Palmitoleic Acid (16:1)

0.06 %

MUFA

Oleic Acid (18:1)

5.80 %

MUFA

Linoleic Acid (18:2)

0.90 %

PUFA

Alpha Linolenic Acid(18:3)

0.44 %

PUFA

Myristic Acid (14:0)

16.23 %

Saturated fat

Lauric Acid (12:0)

48.03 %

Saturated fat

Capric Acid (10:0)

6.27 %

Saturated fat

Caprylic Acid (8:0)

7.64 %

Saturated fat

Source : 7

Almost half of coconut oil is lauric acid. It is also found in palm kernel oil and in mother’s milk. It is the chief saturated fat in coconut oil and is responsible for many of its anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects. Capric acid has activity against Candida albicans. Caprylic acid is also a powerful anti-fungal fatty acid which acts against Candida fungus.

Chemical Properties

Phenol

Percentage

Property

Density

3

great for massage oil

Storage temperature

Room Temperature

Ideal temperature for storage

Comedogenicity

4

Pore clogging potential ( 0 – 5 )

ORAC

–

Antioxidant Power

Peroxide value

0.21

Measure of Acidity

Anisidine value

0.23 %

Measure of Initial Rancidity

Saponification Value

245-255

Measure of the average carbon chain length

Iodine Value

4.71

Measure of unsaturation of oil

Free Fatty Acids

0.13 %

Percentage of volatile oils

Source : 7

The comedogenicity is to be noted. Coconut oil is highly comedogenic. But, anecdotal evidences are there to suggest that coconut oil helps in clearing up acne. So, it is a matter of personal suitability.

Antioxidants

The antioxidant capacity of virgin coconut oil is quite appreciable. This is due to a noticeably higher concentration of phenols in virgin coconut oil as compared to the commercial one.

Phenol

Concentration ( mg/kg )

Property

Caffeic acid

3

Inhibition of cancer propagation

p-Coumaric acid

2

Antioxidant

Ferulic acid

3

Apoptotic, leads to programmed cell death in cancer, skin whitening

(+/-)Catechin

2.9

Strong antioxidant also found in green tea

Unidentified phenols

97.2

–

Unidentified flavonoids

10.8

–

Source : 8

Buying and Storage

Coconut oil is the most stable oil. It has a remakable shelf life of 2 years and does not go rancid at room temperaures or even higher temperatures. So, one can buy the largest size of coconut oil and not be worried about storage. However, it is important to buy coconut oil from a reputed brand. One can also buy virgin coconut oil directly from places where coconut grows in plenty, like India, Malaysia and Indonesia and the Pacific Islands.